Reverend Lana Williams is an ordained elder within the UMC and serves as an associate pastor at Ankeny First United Methodist Church. She received her Master of Divinity from University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2020. She has been involved in church ministry for over fifteen years, serving as children and youth ministry director prior to pastoral ministry. 

Lana’s faith journey reveals the transformative power of God’s love. Having experienced a profound transformation through the love of God, Lana carries a personal testimony of redemption and grace. She is a compassionate servant of God who seeks to share the Gospel. Through a ministry deeply rooted in love Lana actively seeks ways to connect with individuals, fostering a sense of community and understanding. At the heart of Pastor Lana’s mission is the profound belief in the importance of relationships – with God and others. This commitment is reflected not only in her pastoral duties but also in a genuine desire to build connections that nurture spiritual growth and mutual support.

Pastor Lana and her husband Jon, also a UMC pastor, have two children; Hunter and Reba. Hunter passed away six years ago. Reba currently lives and works in Ankeny. Lana loves to hike, enjoys nature, traveling and time with family.